2  It is the glory of God to conceal things,

but the glory of kings is to search things out.

3  As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,

so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4  Take away the ^vdross from the silver,

and the smith has material for a vessel;

5  take away the wicked from the presence of the king,

and ^whis throne will be established in righteousness.

6  ^xDo not put yourself forward in the king’s presence

or stand in the place of the great,

7  for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”

than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

^yWhat your eyes have seen

15  With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and ^da soft tongue will break a bone.